Welcome back to the extremist rewind, the Colorado Times Recorder‘s weekly roundup of news coverage of local political extremism. This week was a busy one. We have the “No Kings” Protest in Denver against the Trump Administration, American military involvement in Iran, Eric Trump’s visit to Colorado, and more.
Christian-Right Group Praises End of ‘Fact-Checking’ Under Trump
Alliance Defending Freedom, the powerful Christian legal group Focus [on the Family] helped found, also cheered Trump’s actions. ADF has been crying out about liberal “censorship” of conservatives for years. Now, ADF is aiding Trump’s efforts to root out alleged censors in the U.S. and around the world. The Trump administration has banned words including “diversity,” “equity,” and “inclusion” from government websites.
CO Springs Board of Education Candidates Running on Trans Sports Bans
Colorado Republicans held a town hall Saturday for El Paso County Board of Education candidates. The candidates for the ostensibly nonpartisan seats in Colorado Springs School District 11, District 49, and Academy School District 20 were joined by Colorado House Minority Leader Rep. Rose Pugliese (R-El Paso County), U.S. Rep. Jeff Crank (R-CO), and Colorado GOP Chair Brita Horn. The primary focus of all candidates was policies banning transgender athletes from competing in sports associated with their chosen gender.
Salem Media Apologizes and Issues Retraction Over Election Denier Promotion. Again.
“Following the 2020 presidential election, several on-air hosts associated with Salem Media Group Inc. and Salem Media of Colorado, Inc. interviewed Joseph Oltmann concerning allegations of voter fraud related to the election,” read Salem’s statement. “In reliance on statements made by Mr. Oltmann, the on-air hosts published stories that Eric Coomer, PhD, the former Director of Strategy and Security of Dominion Voting Systems, interfered with the 2020 presidential election and confessed to doing so on a call prior to the election. Mr. Oltmann has since produced no evidence beyond his sworn statement that Dr. Coomer interfered with Dominion voting machines or voting software or that Dr. Coomer claimed to have done so.”
Advocates, Local Officials Decry Trump Admin Decision to Stop Collecting Data on Hate Crimes Related to Gender Identity
“It is essential that lawmakers and law enforcement have access to all available resources to understand the size, scope, and nature of the spread of anti-LGBTQ+ violence. Instead, the Trump administration is actively fanning the flames of that violence and silencing the voices of people who have been victimized because of who they are,” the joint statement [from advocates and the Boulder DA’s office] reads.
Aurora Sentinel: US strikes Iran, joining Israeli war against nuclear program – Colorado Comments
Rep. Gabe Evans: “I’m glad to see President Trump take action to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon. As a veteran of a Global War on Terror, I know we achieve peace through strength.”
Rep. Lauren Boebert – “I HATE THEM, TOO! Let’s END them!!”
Rep. Jeff Crank: “Tonight, President Trump took decisive action to stop Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon, protect Americans, and build peace in the Middle East.”
Sen. John Hickenlooper: “I am closely monitoring the ongoing situation in Iran. While I strongly believe that Iran can never be allowed to have nuclear weapons, I share many Americans’ concerns about direct U.S. involvement in the conflict.”
Colorado Politics: Colorado GOP: Governor can’t ‘cry foul’ about federal funding cuts after ignoring warnings
Here is some reporting from Colorado Politics on tate Republican leaders criticizing Gov. Polis for enacting legislation that will cause the Trump administration to target the state.
